Are you getting a new water purifier? And your friends are asking about the TDS level of the water? While you might have thought it was some code, let us break it down – TDS is Total Dissolved Solids. Total Dissolved Solids refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, primarily inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter. But what is the best TDS level for drinking water? Think of TDS as the tiny particles, such as minerals, salts and more metals, that get dissolved in water. Some minerals are good for your health,  some might potentially affect your health. Moreover, a high TDS in water can change the taste of your water! To know about the best TDS value of drinking water, the minimum TDS for drinking water and beyond, here is a complete guide for you. Let’s take a look below! 

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What is the TDS for Drinking Water? 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the concentration of inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter dissolved in water. These dissolved solids can include beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as potentially harmful contaminants like lead, arsenic, or excessive salts. The TDS for drinking water is typically measured in parts per million (PPM) or milligrams per litre (mg/L).

• A TDS for drinking water between 50-150 PPM is considered excellent, offering a good balance of minerals for taste and health. 
• Water in the range of 150-250 PPM is considered good, and 250-300 PPM is fair. 
• The WHO suggests a TDS level below 300 mg/L as excellent, while the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommends an acceptable limit of up to 500 mg/L.

RO water purifiers are effective in reducing TDS levels by filtering out dissolved solids and contaminants. RO can bring the TDS levels of water to very low levels; however, it is not recommended to drink water below 50 PPM for a long period. 

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How Do You Calculate TDS in Water at Home? 

If you are wondering about the TDS for home water, you can start the test at home. You can boil the water at home; however, it will not give you the exact number. Once the water cools down, you might see white or chalky residue at the bottom. If it happens, your household water is likely to have high TDS. On the other hand, you can use a TDS meter to gauge the dissolved solids in your water. 

How to Use a TDS Meter at Home 

A TDS meter is a small gadget that gives you a quick reading of how many dissolved solids are in your water. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Turn on the meter: Press the power button so the display shows zero.

2. Dip it in water: Put the tip of the meter into the water you want to test. Don’t submerge it completely—just up to the marked line.

3. Wait for the reading: The number on the screen is the TDS level, usually shown in ppm (parts per million).

4. Write it down: Note down the number so you can compare it with safe drinking water levels. 

Knowing your water’s TDS helps you understand if the water is safe and tastes good. High TDS can make water taste bitter or salty, and might mean there are more impurities. Most experts say TDS between 50–500 mg/L is safe for drinking, but lower is usually better for taste.

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Side Effects of High TDS for Drinking Water 

When your drinking water has too many dissolved solids, it can cause various problems. While some minerals are good for you, too much can harm your health, make your water taste bad, and even damage things in your home. It is essential to know about the side effects of high or low TDS in drinking water: 

Impact of High TDS on Drinking Water 

High TDS for drinking water means there is a large amount of dissolved solids, such as salts, contaminants, and minerals. While a certain level of minerals is healthy, excessively high TDS can make water taste unpleasant, leave stains, and may indicate the presence of harmful elements that could affect your health over time. Here are some side effects of high TDS for drinking water. 

1. Harmful Contaminants

Elevated TDS levels refer to the presence of dangerous elements like heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury), pesticides, nitrates, or excessive salts. Consuming these over time can pose serious health risks depending on their type and concentration.

2. Digestive Issues

Water with very high concentrations of certain minerals or salts (like sulfates or magnesium) can sometimes act as a laxative, leading to stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhoea in some individuals.

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3. Kidney Strain

While not always a direct cause, consistently drinking water with extremely high mineral content could potentially put extra strain on your kidneys over time, especially for those with existing kidney conditions.

4. Cardiovascular Issues

If the high TDS for drinking water is due to an excess of sodium, it can contribute to increased blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart-related problems, particularly for individuals sensitive to salt.

5. Unpleasant Taste and Odour

Water with high TDS often tastes salty, bitter, metallic, or even slightly “brackish.” This can make it unappealing to drink, potentially leading to less water intake and dehydration.

Certain dissolved solids can give water an off-putting smell, further diminishing its appeal. Moreover, high levels of dissolved solids can sometimes make water appear cloudy or discoloured.  

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Impact of Low TDS on Drinking Water 

Many talk about the high levels of TDS in drinking water; unfortunately, there are adverse effects of low TDS. For example, a very low TDS level often tastes bland or flat, and it can corrode the pipes. There are other effects of low TDS levels for drinking water (which is also called hungry water): 

1. Mineral Deficiency 

Low TDS for drinking water, often below 50 PPM, lacks essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals play vital roles in various bodily functions, including bone health, muscle function, nerve signals, and maintaining electrolyte balance. Relying solely on demineralised water for a long time could contribute to mineral deficiencies if your diet doesn’t adequately compensate.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance

Minerals like sodium and potassium are crucial electrolytes. Water with very low TDS doesn’t contribute these, and in some theories, could potentially affect the body’s natural electrolyte balance, though the body is generally very good at maintaining homeostasis through diet.

For most people, the best PPM for RO drinking water is usually in the range of 50-150 PPM. Many modern RO purifiers include a TDS controller or a mineraliser to reintroduce beneficial minerals, improving taste and ensuring a healthier mineral balance in the purified water. This strikes a good balance between removing harmful contaminants and retaining beneficial elements for taste and well-being.  

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How to Remove TDS for Drinking Water: Things to Keep in Mind 

When faced with high levels of Total Dissolved Solids in your drinking water, purification becomes essential to ensure safety and improve taste. However, the goal is not to lower the TDS level! You have to make sure you have acceptable TDS of drinking water, too. Here are a few options to keep in mind: 

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)

RO water purifiers are a common way to deal with unacceptable levels of TDS. RO systems push water through a very fine filter called a membrane. This membrane has tiny holes that block most dissolved solids and impurities from passing through, greatly lowering the TDS level.

2. Distillation

This process involves heating water until it turns into steam, leaving dissolved solids behind. The steam is then cooled and collected as pure water. This method is highly effective at removing almost all dissolved solids, making it a very pure form of water.

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3. Deionisation (DI)

This method uses special resins that attract and remove charged mineral ions from the water. It produces very pure water, often used in laboratories or industrial settings where extremely low TDS is needed.

In the end, understanding the TDS for drinking water is a key step in ensuring the water you drink is safe. While some dissolved minerals are beneficial, both excessively high and extremely low TDS levels can lead to issues with health, taste, or even your home appliances. Regularly checking your water’s TDS with a simple meter can help you make informed decisions about your water quality. Aiming for that sweet spot of 50-150 PPM for drinking water strikes a good balance; however, you can always check out our wide range of water purifiers on rent and make a smart move. Visit RentoMojo today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 25 TDS acceptable for drinking water?
Yes, 25 TDS is safe for drinking water, but it may lack important minerals and taste flat, so it’s not ideal for long-term use.

2. Is TDS below 50 bad?
TDS below 50 is generally considered safe, but it is not the most acceptable TDS for drinking water because it may lack essential minerals and taste flat. The best TDS for drinking water is usually between 50 and 150 mg/L, as this range provides the right balance of minerals for taste and health.

3. Can we drink 30 TDS water?
Yes, you can drink water with a 30 TDS value, but it is not considered the best because it is below the minimum recommended TDS value of drinking water (usually at least 50 ppm), so it may lack important minerals and taste flat.

4. Is RO water good for health?
RO water is safe for health because it removes harmful contaminants, but it also removes essential minerals, making the TDS for drinking water very low, which can lead to mineral deficiencies if used long-term. Most experts recommend drinking water with a balanced TDS for drinking water to keep your body healthy.

5. What TDS is good for drinking?
A TDS between 50 and 150 mg/L is considered best for drinking water because it gives the right balance of minerals for taste and health. Water with TDS up to 500 mg/L is still generally safe to drink, but the taste may not be as good.

6. What is the appropriate TDS for drinking water in metro cities?
Some metro cities may have tap water with TDS ranging from 100 to 700 mg/L due to local sources, but it is still advisable to keep TDS under 500 mg/L as per Indian standards for safe drinking.